🔗 Share this article

Pokémon creators unveiled collectors to the card series DP edition in the year 2007, including the Bonsly card. Within this depiction, the fourth generation Rock Pokémon is portrayed by artist the talented Harada in a somewhat awkward position. Here, Bonsly, which evolves into Sudowoodo can be seen knocked over and weeping. But don't misunderstand, though. Like its ability Fake Tears suggests, this Pokémon attempts to influence the foe's feelings in the hopes of decreasing their attack. Iconic piece, no? Harp player Emily certainly thinks so. And she's got an album filled with 305 Bonsly cards to prove it.

Her Complete Set and Its Highlights

However, that's not everything she has as well. She's got 20 reverse foil versions of this particular card, portraying the small Pokémon in reflective foil all over except the main image. The crown jewel, yet, proves to be the PSA 6-rated reverse holo Bonsly edition. Sure, it's far from a high-grade Charizard illustration. But do you have a goofy, close to mint Bonsly card preserved in its eternal glory? I thought as much.

The Start of the Obsession

Emily dedicated most of the current year accumulating every 2007 Bonsly card that she could locate. She first heard about the out-of-print card in recent months, while talking about the most cursed cards in the Pokémon TCG with a staff member at a local shop. Omanyte in tears was a contender, as was the forever alone Cubone on a park ride. But it was Bonsly crying, also known as card number 17, which captured her interest.

The Concept of Bonsly

Bonsly draws clear inspiration from miniature trees, which are typically planted in pots that have drainage holes. These are meant to help the plant grow, so much so that growers advise one another to add holes into their pots if holes are missing. Additionally, bonsai may sit on low dishes without holes, known as suiban, and the retained water could aid growers decorate their plants to resemble outdoor scenes. Bonsly is the former, hence the hole.

The Infamous Hole Card

Although this makes sense, though, The company looks a bit overly focused regarding the hole in Bonsly. Even merchandise like Bonsly plushes ensure they feature a cavity on the underside of Bonsly. It doesn't matter if the depiction of the Pokémon appears sad or content: It's going to show the hole. The hole is a fundamental aspect in Bonsly's appearance. This specific Bonsly card gained meme status in collector circles both due to that drainage hole, as well as its rarity. Up until last year, this Bonsly card was the single type of Bonsly available printed in a game where many of its monsters are commonly shown in various forms. Over a decade and a half, were you seeking this Pokémon card, you needed to accept for hole Bonsly.

A Growing Obsession

"When I saw Bonsly among the selections of infamous cards, I realized I had found my favorite one," she explains via email, adding that it was unexpected to have never seen it before. She is quick to tell you her fondness for this particular card is completely useless, but it didn't matter. The initial interest turned into an all-consuming hobby, as she acquired all copies of this card available to her. She quickly got into a routine of going to her local card shop regularly, and was dubbed among the staff as the Bonsly fan. The shop started putting any new Bonsly #71 cards that came in only for her. The majority of these go for a few dollars, she notes, approximating she's spent somewhere around $400 just on the binder alone.

Rising Prices

These days, excellent the card can cost up to nearly $15. While that's on the higher end, standard Bonsly #71 cards are often priced at starting at $4. The upward trend roughly aligns with her starting point building her set, though there are likely multiple reasons. Although this card is famous among collectors, Hopkins's posts about it have received countless views. As news regarding Bonsly #71 keeps growing to a wider audience, there's a chance the price of Bonsly #71 cards might increase even more. At the very least, collectors mention how TCG prices are climbing in 2025 across the board.

Her Relentless Pursuit

Nothing can halt her, however.

"The amazing thing is certain fans and enthusiasts of the YouTube channel have sent their Bonsly cards to me to add to my collection, and she is preserving them secure indefinitely," Emily states. Far from being alarmed, viewers are amazed and encouraged by this project.

"I've actually always wanted to do this," an observer mentions. "Acquire all of a common card|every copy of a common card